EXPLAINING "DEATHS" and "RESURRECTIONS"

Despite overwhelming Biblical evidence to the contrary, "Millennialists" are still convinced that the "deaths" and "resurrections" described in chapter twenty of the book of Revelation, give them proof of a literal 1,000 year reign of Christ on this condemned planet.  However, their so-called proof is easily refuted.

"And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the SOULS of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years." (Re 20:4) 

Notice that here within this passage it is the SOULS which live and reign with Christ.  Where do these living souls reign (reside with Christ)?  "When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.  And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"  Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed." (Re 6:9-11)  These martyred souls live and reign with Christ IN HEAVEN!

But, when were these Christians beheaded for their faith?  The answer is quite obvious... SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING!  John the Baptist was "beheaded".  So was Paul, and every martyered Roman citizen who came to faith in Christ.  Even after the so-called conversion of Constantine, Christians continued to be beheaded if they refused to conform to the new Roman version of Christianity.  Then, there was the Mohammedan beheadings that began in the early 600's and continue even to this day.

Where did Paul expect to be after his own death?  "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor.  Yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.  For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and BE WITH CHRIST, which is far better." (Phil 1:21-23) 

But, how can this soulish life be considered a resurrection?  "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me..." (Ga 2:20)  The "first death" is spiritual, and the "first resurrection" is also spiritual.  Because, Christians don't die!  "But God, who is rich in mercy... made us alive together with Christ, and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus..." (Eph 2:4-6)  "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall NEVER die. Do you believe this?" (Jn 11:26)

Despite what Millennialists would like to believe... there is only ONE physical resurrection.  And that is immediately followed by the eternal judgment and damnation of everyone  who is not found in the Lamb's Book of Life.  "And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire."

Rest completely in Christ... make sure YOU are in the Book.